Tri-Cities theater legend who helped launch arts programs has died
A Tri-Cities community leader has died, but his impact on the local arts community will live on.
Ralph “Porky” Thomsen was known for many things: he was a farmer by profession, a spokesman for Toyota, a businessman and an actor held in high esteem.
He was also someone who cared deeply about sharing his love of theater with young people in the Tri-Cities.
Thomsen, 77, of Richland, died Saturday, Jan. 15.
His beginnings were humble, and despite his success as an actor, he stayed humble as well. Thomsen was born in Warden, and nicknamed “Porky” by his grandmother. She called his twin sister “Peewee.”
He was bit by the acting bug in high school, and went on to earn degrees in theater arts and ag-economics from Washington State University.
In a social media post, a spokesperson for Toyota of Tri-Cites said Thomsen had touched the lives of many.
“Porky’s passing has no doubt left a huge hole in the hearts of his many dear friends and family in and around our community just as it has here at Toyota of Tri-Cities. We will cherish all the wonderful years of friendship and fun we had together and will always admire his can-do spirit and willingness to give back; not only in the Tri-Cities but throughout the entire Columbia Basin.”
Life and career
Thomsen attempted to pursue acting full time after college, but after getting married and starting a family, he settled down as a farmer in Pasco. That never stopped him taking the stage though.
Although it wasn’t his day job, Thomsen saw more success in theater than most people could hope for.
For two decades he toured the country in a one-man show called “Bully” which was based on the life of President Theodore Roosevelt. Before taking it on tour, Thomsen bought the rights and reworked the play to make it more lively.
He earned a Cable Ace Award for another one-man show, S.A. Flyin. Throughout his acting career he worked with such greats as Leonard Nimoy, Paul Williams and Edie Adams.
He also worked with local theater groups to support the arts in the Tri-Cities.
In 2014 he was honored by the Academy of Children’s Theatre with their Heart for the Arts award for his role in helping make theater more accessible. The award honors local people who have gone above and beyond to support the arts
Thomsen and his wife, Terri Stephenson, helped launch ACT’s Living Theatre program, which works with youth at the Juvenile Justice Center in Kennewick.
Living Theatre gives the opportunity to students at the juvenile center to write their own story, and have it presented by ACT’s high school age drama students.
The couple also helped ACT launch an anti-bullying program called “Work It Out” and brought Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre touring company to the Tri-Cities on multiple occasions.
Hillcrest Funerals and Cremation, Kennewick, is handling his memorial arrangements. A celebration of life will be held, but details have not yet been made available.
